New Legislation Would Offer Better Protection For Ohio Referees

AMHERST, OH — An Amherst-area politician is looking to better protect referees at sporting events throughout Ohio.

“As a referee for 20 years and as a coach, participant and parent, I understand the power of athletic competition to bring people together and teach important life skills,” said Rep. Joe Miller, a Democrat from Amherst. “However, sometimes emotions run high and tempers flare during competition. It’s important that we support our officials and send a message that physical confrontations are never an acceptable recourse.”

Miller and his colleague, Bill Roemer, a Republican from Richfield, co-introduced House Bill 208 on Monday. The legislation would protect sports officials by increasing the penalties for assaulting a referee on the job, or in relation for a prior incident.

The legislation would bring the penalty for assaulting a referee in line with current legislation protecting teachers, school administrators and bus drivers, Miller said.

House Bill 208 will be referred to the House Rules and References Committee. From there, it will receive a committee assignment.